Commentary

By James M. Dorsey 21/3/2018 In his effort to improve Saudi Arabia’s badly tarnished image and project the kingdom as embracing an unidentified form of moderate Islam, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has hinted that he envisions a conservative rather than an ultra-conservative society, but not one in which citizens are

by Asia Maqsood 21/3/2018 Iran’s recent proposal for Pakistan to join Chabahar Port may reflect its lack of trust on its counterpart “India.” India may stop the development of this project under the US pressure. Besides, the Indo-US strategic robust strategic partnership can put pressure on Iran because US-Iran relations are not cordial. In

by Elsa Lycias Joel 21/3/2018 In conversation with Elsa Lycias Joel Like a Phoenix, he rose… Having read and heard a lot about Venugopal Chandrasekhar, I wasn’t able to handle my anticipation and excitement as I walked into his TT academy one late noon. He received me with a pleasant smile, friendly handshake

by Asanga Abeyagoonasekera 20/3/2018 “One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation, and compassion.” Simone de Beauvoir Only when fear and hatred is spread by extremists does serious reflection haunt a community. The teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka,

by Gaurav Tyagi 21/3/2018 One out of every six examinees abandoned the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations in the U.P. province of India. This was due to the fact that the government of U.P. after a long time took strong steps to curb the menace of cheating and copying in the exams.

March 18, 2018 B. Z. Khasru On February 8, the day a court sent Bangladesh’s former prime minister, Khaleda Zia, to prison for stealing money from a trust fund, current prime minister and Zia’s archrival, Sheikh Hasina, rhetorically asked a public rally: “Where is she?” Hasina’s question refreshed memories of many who heard a similar nasty

by Rajeesh CS and Ashwati C.K 17/3/2018 Introduction The systematic ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya population in Myanmar, the periodic attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, recent but constant attacks on Muslim minorities in Sri Lanka, destruction of Christian churches in Pakistan make it prudent to infer a fact that religious and political right outfits are

by N.S. Venkataraman In recent times, respected the Dalai Lama has repeatedly said that Tibetans are not seeking independence and they only want Tibet to stay with China with full autonomy for the Tibet region. Certainly, this stand of the Dalai Lama has caused deep disappointment and frustration amongst a large section of Tibetans living

Over the past several years, unprecedented military modernization in Pakistan’s immediate neighbour, India, has worsened South Asia’s security environment. India’s heavy military spending and its unstoppable quest for the acquisition of sophisticated weapons have threatened regional stability. Indian desire to acquire global power status through military means has further been intensified as a result of

by N.S. Venkataraman 17/3/2018 In the last four years, several meaningful measures have been taken by Modi government which have far-reaching significance for future of India. As he has attempted to change for better the way of functioning of government machinery, manner in which business is carried out, etc. there has been

by Uzge A. Saleem 16/3/2018 The most used and discussed term in the context of India’s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) is Tactical Nuclear Weapons, specifically regarding “counter” to the CSD. In a nutshell, the Pakistanis love it while the Indians hate it. They both have their reasons. A country that topped off

by Ubaid Ahmed 16/3/2018 ‘Trust, but verify’ an Old Russian proverb that President Reagan liked to repeat often. Trump is neither the first President nor he is going to be the last to criticize Pakistan of deceit and threaten to cut off American assistance. Notwithstanding, the last six decades of the US support,

by Usman Ali Khan 16/3/2018 “Because no battle is ever won he said. They are not even fought. The field only reveals to man his folly and despair, and victory is an illusion of philosophers and fools.” —William Faulkner, The Sound, and the Fury The encompassing fog of ‘war’ and ‘terror’ has

by N.S. Venkataraman 16/3/2018 After having been the Prime Minister of India for around four years now and having introduced several paths breaking measures to promote transparency in governance, eliminate corruption and initiating several measures to promote industrial and economic growth, Mr. Modi has to now only look forward and forge ahead. Some of